DOST-NCR Launches SETUP e-Caravan with a Virtual Kick-Off, Confers Awards to Completers and Exemplary Performing MSMEs

The DOST-NCR signaled the start of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) e-Caravan with a Virtual Kick-Off on October 5, 2021 via Zoom, with live simulcast via Facebook. With a theme "Tech Ka Muna, Na-SETUP Ka Na Ba?", the event was participated by 428 micro, small, and medium enterprises, industry partners, government agencies, media partners, and academic groups.

For almost two decades, the DOST-NCR implements the DOST SETUP which provides a holistic package of the assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from technical consultancy services, trainings, and innovation-enabling funding. "Kinikilala namin na ang mga MSMEs ang pangunahing nag-aangat sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa. Dahil dito ay patuloy naming ipinapatupad ang DOST SETUP sa National Capital Region", DOST-NCR Regional Director, Jose B. Patalinjug III, mentioned during his opening message.

The e-Caravan was graced by DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De La Pena, and Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang. DOST-VI Regional Director, Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, also discussed the ongoing transition of the traditional SETUP framework to SETUP 4.0 to help industry players adapt to the fourth industrial revolution.

The DOST-NCR also recognized the SETUP beneficiaries who were finalists for this year's Regional SETUP PRAISE Awards for their exemplary performance in terms of productivity, resilience, agility, sustainability, innovativeness, and excellence. Aretei Foods Corporation was awarded as the Most Agile MSME, Sangkutsa Foods as the Most Innovative MSME, Compact Pharmaceuticals as the Most Resilient MSME, Migo Skin as the Most Productive MSME, and Ideatechs Packaging Corp. as the Regional Winner which will represent the NCR during the National SETUP Praise Awards.

Moreover, the DOST-NCR also awarded Certificates of Completion to 77 MSMEs assisted since 2018 that have completed their projects under the SETUP in 2021.

Since 2004, the DOST-NCR invested almost PhP 600 million, and has assisted 563 MSMEs in the NCR. Beneficiaries of the Program have provided employment opportunities for 4,700 people.

RD Patalinjug announced the conduct of the SETUP Clinic for in-depth discussion of application process and requirements for the DOST SETUP this October. Activities and webinars for the SETUP e-Caravan in the NCR will last until December 3, 2021.